While Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones is optimistic that Spencer (knee) will be in the lineup for Week 4, coach Jason Garrett was a little more guarded in his assessment of Spencer's chances, the Dallas Morning News reports. "We’ll just see – take him day by day," Garrett said on Monday. "He’s worked very hard the last few weeks just to get back. We'll see what he's able to do on Wednesday."

Between 2009 and 2011, Spencer averaged 65 tackles and and nearly six sacks per season. In 2012, the former first-round draft pick took his production to another level under then-Cowboys' defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, recording 95 tackles and 11 sacks and making the Pro Bowl. After signing a one-year franchise tender, Spencer appeared in only a single game in 2013, as multiple knee surgeries derailed his season. Still bothered by the knee injury, Spencer missed the first part of last year and managed only 22 tackles and a half sack in 13 games. Signing with the Saints this offseason, Spencer was reunited with defensive coordinator Ryan in New Orleans, and the Saints are optimistic that he can rekindle some of the magic from his standout 2012 campaign. The last few injury-plagued seasons certainly leave plenty of questions regarding his durability, but there's an above-average chance that Spencer will start at outside linebacker for the Saints. At only 31 years old, Spencer could be a low-risk, high-reward option for IDP owners in deeper leagues if he can remain healthy and recapture his Pro Bowl form.

2014

Microfracture surgery eventually scuttled Spencer's 2013 season, and he wasn't able to build on his breakout performance from 2012 (95 tackles, 11 sacks). If he's able to return to health he'll have a key role on the Cowboys' defensive line, but Spencer has a lot to prove before he'll be back in the starting lineup.

2013

Either Spencer was seeing dollar signs as he played on the franchise tag in 2012, or he turned a corner in his development. The former first-round pick was always adequate as an outside linebacker in the 3-4, but never an impact player. That changed last year, when Spencer went off for 95 tackles – a very high total for a 3-4 outside linebacker – as well as 11 sacks in just 14 games. Even assuming his production spike was due in part to being in a contract year, as of press time Dallas had him on the franchise tag once again for 2013. His tackle count will almost certainly drop now that he’s playing end in a 4-3 alignment, but Spencer is still a good bet to surpass 60 tackles and double-digit sacks.

2012

Drafted to be a pass-rushing complement to DeMarcus Ware, Spencer has instead developed into a very steady every-down OLB whose worth doesn't show up in his IDP numbers. If the revamped secondary buys the pass rush another second or two Spencer could be one of the big beneficiaries, but otherwise expect another 60+ tackles and mid-single digit sack total.

2011

After looking like he could be a pass-rushing force at the end of 2009, Spencer turned in a thoroughly lackluster '10 season with only five sacks. The Cowboys need more QB pressure from his position to take some heat off DeMarcus Ware, and if Spencer's development continues to stall don't be surprised if Dallas looks elsewhere to get it.

2010

Spencer emerged as more than just DeMarcus Ware's sidekick at the end of 2009, racking up four sacks in the Cowboys' final three regular season games and adding two more in two playoff games. A healthy Ware will draw plenty of attention away from Spencer, and could leave the door open for his first career double-digit sack season.

2009

With Greg Ellis' departure, Spencer will inherit a starting role opposite DeMarcus Ware, and the Cowboys are counting on him to easily top his previous career high of three sacks.

2008

Picked up three sacks and 36 tackles backing up Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware at OLB, but Spencer's role likely won't increase unless Ellis breaks down.

2007

First-round pick will try to make the same adjustment DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis have made the last couple of seasons, from DE to OLB. Spencer's duties will likely be limited to rushing the passer, however, and with Ware drawing double-teams on the other side of the formation Spencer could have surprisingly good IDP value.